Murali: Sri Lanka enduring ‘transition phase’

Sri Lanka spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan has been dismayed by how poorly the team has played in recent months, including in the first Test against India, but feels they've got a lot to contend with as players are retiring.

With Kumar Sangakkara on his way out in one Test's time, and Mahela Jayawardene also retiring recently, Sri Lanka have struggled in recent months, particularly with the bat. They lost all three recent series to Pakistan.

But Murali feels they need to get through this 'transition'. He said on IBN live: "We had so many great players who have retired and we're struggling.

"They're going through a transition phase with some new faces coming up.

"It'll take some time, at least one or two years for the team to build again. So it's advantage India at the moment."

Murali added of India's spinners, who have dominated in Galle: "India have got very good spin attack at the moment.

"Ashwin has done well yesterday. He's a good bowler and the wicket was helping the spinners, a flat and turning track.

"India will be in a strong position, they have got better spin attack and better combination. Unlike us, they have set players who are together for a long time.

"We've some good promising players. They're all young, changes will happen. We've to give them some time."